If you have watched Dogtown (and who hasn’t) you have probably wondered if Best Friends Animal Society can possibly be as cool as it seems.
The answer is, “Yes”, and not only is Best Friends cool, it is even cooler than you can imagine.
First, Best Friends is located in Angel Canyon, about five miles north of Kanab, UT. Kanab is pretty small, but it is a charming little town and definitely worth a visit all by itself. A few minutes drive up Highway 89 and a turn at the sign will bring you to the visitors center. You can’t miss it.
The folks at the Society are devoted to saving the animals, and they do a really great job. They can’t do it all by themselves, and that is where the volunteers come it. I was lucky enough to be able to volunteer there for two days. I worked in Dogtown and helped do several different things. Sure, everyone wants to walk the dogs! But, I figured I was there to assist in any way that I could, so I said they should send me where I was most needed.
That was a brilliant idea, I don’t mind saying, because I got to meet some great people and help out some super-duper dogs. I also perfected my dog bowl washing! I have become very efficient at that task. On our first shift Anita and I walked two very shy dogs. They did very well, and I think we did, too. One of them, Itchy, is a real charmer, but he is so shy that he won’t approach strangers. We sat on the floor for over an hour chatting with each other, and Itchy, too. His caretaker, Christine, explained that just sitting was a big step in socializing Itchy. Before we left, our new little pal actually came within a foot of me, all by himself.
We were allowed to watch as caretakers and behavioral experts introduced a new dog into a run. This is a carefully monitored process and is done with extreme attentiveness. It was extremely interesting, and we were pleased to see the new dog the next day playing with his new friends.
The devotion of the volunteers and staff is beyond compare. Some volunteers return every year. Others make it part of a family experience. The staff is wonderful. Great folks one and all. I don’t think I have ever seen a larger group of happy people.
You can see our photo gallery from our Best Friends trip here.
If you are interested in volunteering, go to their Web site and check it out.
Meanwhile, if you cannot get to Utah, consider volunteering locally. Here is the Capital District we have some great animal organizations that need our help.